Sponsored Post: Join Mrs. Claus in her Gingerbread Kitchen as her little Holiday helper at Garden State Plaza, Paramus, this holiday season. Enjoy a guided, interactive visit through her magical kitchen filled with baked goods, arts & crafts and special activities.We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not to Miss:
Why: Crafting, s'mores, and photos with everyone's favorite holiday mean one.
When: Thursday December 7-Friday December 8, 3:30pm and 5:30 pm
Where: Fresh & Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
Why: The menorah and tree get lit at this ultimate holiday festival.
When: Thursday December 7, 5 pm
Where: Tice's Corner, 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff Lake
Why: Crafts and s'mores as you celebrate the festival of lights.
When: Saturday December 9, 6:15-7:45 pm
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Why: Smile with Santa, shop for the holidays, and enjoy seasonal family fun for all.
When: Saturday December 9-Sunday December 10, 2-7 pm, photos with Santa 5:30-7 pm
Where: Big Blue Swim School, 305 Route 17 South, Paramus
What: A Christmas Carol
Why: The classic holiday tale comes to live on stage.
When: Saturdays December 9 and 16, 7 pm, Sundays December 10 and 17, 3 pm
Where: The Hermitage, 335 Franklin Tpke., Ho-Ho-Kus
What: Winter Celebration 2023
Why: Ridgewood PAC is celebrating the holiday with a live performance that's sure to wow you.
When: Saturday December 9, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm
Where: Bergen County Academies,
Why: Dine with Santa as you enjoy the flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
When: Sunday December 10, 10-11:30 am
Where: Jarana, Level 3, American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Why: Acrobatics, music, and the holiday spirit join forces on stage.
When: Wednesday December 13, 8 pm
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Enjoy holiday treats by the fire.
When: Thursdays and Fridays through December 15, 4-7 pm
Where: Fresh & Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
What: Orchard of Lights
Why: The drive-thru holiday experience is back with 32 acres of twinkling displays, plus Santa and hot cocoa at the end.
When: Now through Friday December 29, 5-9 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Snow much fun with ice bumper cars, skating, and more.
When: Now through Monday January 1, 11 am-9 pm
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
Why: Help Mrs. Claus bake and enjoy holiday activities in the kitchen.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-8 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Santa Photos
Why: Smile with Santa or book an extended visit with a Signature Santa experience.
When: Now through Saturday December 23, 11 am-6:45 pm
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: Photos With Santa
Why: The big guy is back for meet and greets and special smiles.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Winter Lantern Festival
Why: Thousands of Chinese lanterns light up American Dream in these dazzling displays.
When: Now through Sunday December 31, 1-8:30 pm
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Why: Stroll through the zoo filled with animal-inspired lanterns.
When: Now through Sunday January 14, 4-8 pm Sundays-Thursdays, 4-9 pm Fridays-Saturdays
Where: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Pictures With Santa
Why: Santa Claus came to town and is ready for pics with your little ones.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11:15 am-7:45 pm
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Nick the Halls
Why: American Dream's Nickelodeon Universe may be open daily, but visit on the weekends this month for a Merry, Merry Dance Party, performances on the Slime Stage, a Holiday Parade, and Elf Workshop.
When: Fridays-Sundays, throughout the day
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Click here for more holiday lights events.
If You're Heading Out of Bergen:
What: Christmas Con
Why: Join tons of celebs for a tree lighting, ugly sweater competition, Santa, and so much more.
When: Friday December 8-Sunday December 10, check for daily schedule
Where: NJ Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
Why: Get in some holiday shopping with gifts from local artists.
When: Sunday December 10, 10 am-5 pm
Where: 551 Valley Rd., Wayne
Why: Support local artists by shopping, and enjoy music, dance, and face painting.
When: Sunday December 10, 12-6 pm
Where: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
What: Holiday Lights
Why: The holiday fest brings new animal lanterns, animated shows, train rides, ice sculpture, and so much more.
When: Now through Sunday January 7, 3-7 pm
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: Hop in your car and take a drive through digital animations, twinkling lights, and holiday fun.
When: Now through Saturday December 30
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
Why: Stroll through the totally lit zoo with winter and animal-themed displays, plus special events throughout the season.
When: Now through Sunday December 31, 5-9 pm
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Visit the New York Botanical Gardens for its annual holiday train display tradition and dazzling lights display.
When: Now through Saturday January 13, 5-10 pm for Glow, 10 am-6 pm for Train Show
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: The annual light show is here with a drive-thru light fest, plus photos with Santa, music, and s'mores.
When: Now through Saturday December 30, 5-8:30 pm
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta
Why: The classic holiday tale, set to music, is ready to take the stage but hurry, tickets are limited.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 17, select times available
Where: Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Spread holiday happiness throughout your home and your loved ones' with a mini photo shoot with Santa. Plus, every Sunday you can bring your pet for Santa Paws pics.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-7 pm, Santa Paws Sundays, December 3-December 17, 4-7 pm
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
What: Brunch With Santa
Why: Kick off December by enjoying a delicious farm-fresh feast with Santa.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 16, 10 am and 12 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, One Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
Why: Act like a kid in a candy store at this sweet experience that brings everyone's love of sugar to a magical place where you can eat off the walls.
When: Now through January 3, select times
Where: 610 5th Ave., Rockefeller Center, NYC
Upcoming Events:
Why: The annual craft show has plenty of gifts to shop plus gingerbread house making and a hot chocolate bar.
When: Saturday December 16-Sunday December 17, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Stokes Farm, 23 DeWolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Meet the GTL OG, Jersey Shore star, and author of Reality Check.
When: Sunday December 17, 1 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
